Smelly Shoe Remedy

We all have that one pair of shoes — the ones that seem to match every outfit. They’re your go-to footwear for nearly every occasion. From your walk to class all the way to the dirty bar floor, these shoes have seen it all. 

When you have a pair of well-loved shoes, it’s inevitable that they’ll start to acquire a stench, especially during the sweatier months. Think about it. Imagine if you always wore the same shirt but never washed it; it’s bound to get smelly. But, don’t stress! Here are some of our favorite remedies to turn your stinky shoes into fresh footwear. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that is able to absorb the bacteria making your shoes smell. You can sprinkle some of this stuff directly in your shoes and let it sit overnight. Or, you can put a couple of tablespoons of it into a coffee filter, add some essential oils, secure it with a rubber band and then leave it in the shoes overnight. If you don’t have baking powder, activated charcoal, baby powder and cornstarch may yield similar results.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another household item that naturally deodorizes and kills bacteria. Vinegar is super intense on its own, so it’s best to create a solution of half white vinegar and half water. Then, just spray the mixture inside the shoes and let them dry completely before wearing them.

Freeze Them

This one may seem a bit bizarre, but cold temperatures are proven to kill bacteria. Sometimes, you get so desperate that you’ll try anything. Place your stinky shoes in a plastic bag and leave them in the freezer overnight. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!


Washing Machine

Beware: not all shoes are meant for the washing machine. But, some are machine washable! Most sneakers/tennis shoes are able to be thrown in the wash, but always do a quick Google search to make sure the washing machine won’t destroy your favorite kicks (trust us on this one).

Shoe Deodorizer 

If all else fails, you can always purchase a product specifically made to combat smelly shoes. These deodorizers come in lots of different forms, such as sprays, powders and balls, so you can choose whichever you prefer. Be sure to check the reviews so you don’t waste money!

Add Scents

If your shoes don’t smell terrible but need a little refreshing, you can add some scents of your own. You can leave a variety of objects in your shoes overnight and take them out in the morning! 

 Here are a few easy recommendations for things to put in there:

  • A bar of soap

  • Bags of great-smelling tea

  • Cotton balls with a few drops of essential oil on them

  • Cat litter (put it in a coffee filter to avoid mess!)

  • Cloves


Stinky shoes can be a bit embarrassing, but it’s nothing you can’t fix! There are also a variety of ways to prevent your shoes from acquiring a stench, such as wearing sweat-wicking socks, making sure your feet are dry before wearing shoes, changing your socks often and using antibacterial soap on your feet.